What Does Your ‘Word’ Mean to You?

Posted on 06/02/2013 by Bobo

(I have enjoyed this blog and have used it for a myriad of purposes.  To ‘tell stories’ I have heard – to honor both the story, and the storyteller.  To shares bits and pieces of my recovery from alcoholism.  To comment on current events (just beginning).  And to pass on things I’ve learned to my grand children.  This ‘post’ is one of the lessons I’ve learned…)

So, what does your ‘word’ mean to you?

This question was asked to me, maybe 7 or 8 years ago when I was in therapy.    Quite ‘thought provoking,’ it was.  I think at some time in your life you should ask yourself this question straight out.  Probably best as you enter adulthood, but certainly the question can be introduced in your late pre-teen years.  But at some time  I encourage you to sit down alone, someplace special, and think about it – for it will shape your character for the rest of your life.

What does your ‘word’ mean to you?

Looking back upon it myself, I was taught that my ‘word’ is everything I am.  It is my bond.  It emboldens me to be true to myself.  If I am true to myself, I will be true to you, and everyone else.  And this is the way I choose to my life.

“What difference does it make?”  “Everyone does it.”  These are a couple ‘cop outs’ we often hear these days for not keeping our word.  Well, to me, it makes all the difference in the world.  To keep my word leads to my “authenticity.”  Just because “everyone does it,” does not necessarily express the way I want to live my life.  I tend to go ‘against the grain’ of our society a great deal these days.  I just don’t buy into a lot of the “garbage” I see in our society these days…

It seems as if it is just so easy today, not to keep our word.  “I’ll call you when I get off work;”  “I’ll have your Christmas gifts in the mail next week.”  “I just bought a stamp, I’ll have your check in the mail tomorrow,” – and so forth.  After a period of broken commitments and promises, when these people tell me anything, I just tend to blow them off.  Their ‘word’ is meaningless.  And the next step, I tend not to associate with them.

Today my word is everything to me – it defines me.  If I tell you that I am going to do something, I will do it.  This really keeps life simple.

If you haven’t thought about it, take a moment here – now – and ask yourself, “What does your word mean to you?”  It is never too late to begin living a life of authencity…

Posted in Spiritality | Leave a comment

Fighter Pilot Piano Player

Posted on 05/02/2013 by Bobo

FIGHTER PILOT PIANO PLAYER

A ragged, old, derelict shuffled into a down and dirty bar.  Stinking of  stale whisky and cigarettes, his hands shook as he took the “Piano Player Wanted” sign from the window and handed it to the bartender.

I’d like to apply for the job,” he said. “I was an F-4 Phantom pilot and a Colonel in the Louisiana Air National Guard but when they retired the Phantom they cashiered me as well.  So I learned to play the piano on the GI Bill.”

The barkeep wasn’t too sure about this rather doubtful looking old guy, but it had been quite a while since he had a piano player and business was falling off.  So, the barkeep decided to give him a try and said, “OK Colonel, lets hear a sample of your playing.”

The Colonel staggered his way over to the piano while several patrons snickered.  By the time he was into his third bar of music, every voice was silenced.  What followed was a rhapsody of sound and music, unlike anyone had heard in the bar before.  When he finished there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

The bartender took the old fighter pilot a beer and asked him the name of the song he had just played.

It’s called “Drop your Skivvies, Baby, I’m Going Balls To The Wall For You!” said the Colonel, after he took a long pull from the beer.  “And I wrote it myself,” he said.

The bartender and the crowd winced at the title, but the piano player then went on with a knee-slapping, hand-clapping bit of ragtime that had the place jumping.  After he finished, the fighter pilot acknowledged the applause and told the crowd the song was called, “Big Boobs Light My Afterburner.”  He then excused himself as he stumbled and lurched to the john.

When he came out the bartender went over to him and said, “Look Colonel, the job is yours, but do you know your fly is open and your pecker is hanging out?”

“Know it?” the old fighter pilot replied, “Hell, I wrote it!”

Posted in The Book | Leave a comment

Gangs in America

Posted on 05/02/2013 by Bobo

I have always been somewhat of a “linear thinker.”  It has been a strength at times, and a weakness at others.  But more often that not, it has helped me see things great clarity.  Take this issue on gangs in America now.

Look at any major city in our nation now – gangs are “running wild.”  Chicago is a great example.  The murder rate is out of site, and all anyone does is wring their hands.  And the body count continues to grow.

There is a simple solution; the ‘mechanics’ are already set.  When I entered the military I took an oath to ‘defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

I voluntarily took this oath on Saturday, 8 June 1968 when I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force.  I remember the day and the room at Bowling Green State University when I stood before Lt. Col. Wesley Hoffman with my right hand raised, and took that oath.  It was not anything I took lightly – still don’t today.

So here is where I go “linear.”  It’s simple.  “…all enemies, foreign and domestic.”  What exactly are ‘domestic’ enemies?’

To me, domestic enemies are those who threaten ‘the American way of life.’  Again, simple.  So, now lets look at typical gang activities: prostitution, drive by shootings, drugs, extortion, money laundering, etc.  They key to my line of thinking is, do these activities fall within what we typically think of as “the American way of life?”  If you think so, this essay is complete.  If not, continue.

“All enemies, foreign and domestic.”  If we have a group of folks who threaten our way of life, aren’t they to be considered ‘domestic enemies?’  If not, why have the provision in the first place.  Linear, simple.

So, what I propose is to take a look at all the ‘gangs’ in America.  Do their activities support, or undermine the American way of life?

If I had the authority I would hold a ‘Blue Ribbon’ panel to look at all the known gangs in our country.  Then I would publish a list of those that constitute a threat to the American way of life.  I would publish that list, and declare “open warfare” on those gangs, commencing in 30 days.  That would give gang members 30 days to decide how they wanted to live – whether or not they wanted to live.  Then, at the end of those 30 days,  would turn our Special Forces loose on them.

As a “Domestic Enemy of the United States,” you surrender your rights.  No Miranda, no lawyers – all you get is a ‘red dot’ in the middle of your forehead.  Please do not take it personal – we are just preserving our nation for our children.  The gang units in our city police departments know who these fine citizens are – they are just ‘hamstrung’ from really doing anything about them by ‘loopholes’ in the law.  Being a member of a gang is (usually) a personal ‘choice.’  With choices, are consequences.  Now I think it’s time to hold gang members to the choices they make… from my perspective, the solution is simple.

Posted in Air Warriors, The Dumbing of America | Leave a comment

poor Bob….

Posted on 05/02/2013 by Bobo

It’s been over a week since the news began running on (poor) Bob Menendez, D/NJ and the (underage) prostitute scandal.  The only coverage I’ve seen on it has been on FOX News, and on certain internet sites I visit.  Nary a word on the mainstream media – ABC, NBC or CBS.

If the FBI investigation does uncover damning evidence on ‘poor Bob,’ it will be interesting to see how it’s “spun….”  Probably gonna be Bush’s fault somehow.

Posted in "Political Correct BS" | Leave a comment

Navy Seal, Chris Kyle

Posted on 04/02/2013 by Bobo

Chris Kyle, a former Navy Seal, was killed over the weekend by a coward he was trying to help.

I understand we are a ‘nation of law.’  But in circumstances like this, I would like to see this coward dragged out of his cell, and shot.  It’s not ‘personal,’ mind you – just the ‘right thing’ to do.

The only people who will ‘profit’ from a trial for this coward will be his lawyers….

Posted in Warriors | Leave a comment

Senator Robert Menendez

Posted on 04/02/2013 by Bobo

Senator Robert Menendez, D/NJ, is being investigated for having sex with ‘underage’ prostitutes in the Dominican Republic.  Of course these charges are politically motivated; trumped up entirely by right-wing bloggers.  I get it…

This being said, the way I see it is, he will soon check himself into an alcohol recovery unit – do they have those in the Dominican Republic – then show up on national TV seeking forgiveness.  The Jerry Falwell moment, remember?

At Northwest Airlines we had a pilot get his ass in a “tight spot,” then declare himself “alcoholic” to soften the blow.  Thank God, it didn’t work.  I knew this “slug” from the Air Force and he was not an alcoholic!  He was a “scammer,” for sure, but an alcoholic”  Me thinks not.  He lasted just a few days at the recovery center…

I’m glad to see these creeps get thrown out of recovery centers.  They give us ‘real drunks’ a bad name!  LOL!

So, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens to ‘poor Bob’ over the next couple-few weeks…

Posted in "Political Correct BS" | 2 Comments

I’m Not Going to Change the World…

Posted on 04/02/2013 by Bobo

…and there are some things ‘the World’ isn’t going to change in me… like becoming “PC.”

When I wake up these days I typically spend a bit of time ‘grazing’ in bed.  You know, that’s when you are half asleep, and half awake.  And, more often than not, I turn on the news.  Probably shouldn’t do that…

This morning I heard there are now folks who are “offended” by the words “freshmen” and “penmanship!”  YGBSM!  I was not quite awake and missed the rationale.  I really don’t think it would matter anyway: ‘freshman’ and ‘penmanship?’ (Later the day I ‘googled it,’ and discovered this is an initiative in Washington State: freshmen, and penmanship.)  Give me a break!

This whole thing speaks to “political correctness,” PC.  It’s as if it’s running rampant anymore – this PC crap.  Every day now someone comes out screaming about an “n” word, a “f” word, a “l” word, (what’s that?), an “s” word  – well, you get the idea.  So as not to offend anyone else this fine snowy morning here in NW Ohio, from my perspective, they can all phuck off!  (Guess what’s going to show up on the “offensive” list tomorrow!  LOL).

I was taught to be ‘sensitive’ to others by my parents; and I got it.  If I didn’t, Dear Ole Dad had a way to make it clearer.  I don’t need to be lectured too, now at 66, by the ‘PC police’, the democratic party or a narcissistic president.   Guess I am now getting tired of it all… it just seems to be everywhere anymore.

I tend to ‘live on the edge.’  In retrospect, I always have.  Not a lot of ‘traffic’ out here, and folks know where I stand.  If I were a kid today, I don’t think I would survive.  At the very least, I would be on drugs, mandated by the school administration, I’m sure.   Over the past two weeks I have heard of 3 or 4 kids suspended for playing with toy guns in school.  Or, in one case, having a piece of paper that could be interpreted as a gun.  YGBSM!

I grew up playing “Cowboys and Indians” or “Cops and Robbers” all the time in school, at recess.  I hate to think what would happen to me today if I were caught engaged in a game of “Cowboys and Ragheads!”

I have absolutely no problems ‘acknowledging’ the sensitivities and values of others, and if someone is upset with either something I said, or did; I will examine what I said or did to ‘offend’ or upset them.  And if I was ‘insensitive,’ I will make an amends.  This ‘process’ also helps me grow.  But I am not going to fall in “lock step” to what some group or another, or ‘Dear Leader’ arbitrarily feels about the word ‘freshman’ or ‘penmanship’ – or gay leaders in the Boy Scouts.  Those “F-worders” can kiss my ass!  LOL!

Now that I am ‘spun up’ for the day, I won’t have to tune into Rush… LOL!

Posted in "Political Correct BS" | Leave a comment

Paul Harvey

Posted on 04/02/2013 by Bobo

I grew up listening to Paul Harvey, and I miss him…

He expresses my values so much better than anyone else we have on the scene today…

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

From an OUTSTANDING to an Excellent – in 17 Seconds…

Posted on 03/02/2013 by Bobo

I took a Navigation check ride on 15 May 1984 as part of an Air Training Command (ATC) Headquarters Stan/Eval inspection.  At the time I was the Chief of Check Section in the 560th FTS.  I was tagged to fly with Capt. Rick R., a former FAIP (First Assignment IP) from Vance.  I knew Rick when he was a student, and a young IP, so I wasn’t apprehensive at all flying with him.

Our primary job in the 560th was to teach new guys how to fly and instruct from the T-38 back seat.  In this capacity, we would fly in the front seat.  However, we still had to maintain proficiency from the back seat also.  So Rick came up with this profile where I would fly to Dyess AFB, TX in the rear seat, then come home in the front seat.  My ‘instruction’ then became somewhat convoluted in that it had to match the seat I was flying from.

The flight up to Dyess was pretty straight-forward, without incident.  After landing we swapped seats – actually the most difficult part of the check ride, and had lunch.  Then after lunch it was back to Randolph.  And again, the mission went as briefed until the last 17 seconds.

For our final approach and landing, I had to fly a simulated single-engine approach and landing.  I had flown literally thousands of these patterns, without incident.   However, on this day…

The ‘book’ says that we configure with Gear and 60% Flaps until ‘landing is assured.’  Then we were to select Full Flaps.  This was usually interpreted to be over a point the ground – like just as we came over the overrun.

Well, crap!  On this day, and I don’t know why, about 17 seconds out (yes, I did the math) I selected Gear and Full Flaps right off the bat.  And I recognized my error right away!  Usually this would be a ‘fatal mistake,” especially when flying with a FAIP!  And I knew it was.

The problem with bringing the flaps back to 60% at this point was the risk of bringing them to the Flaps Up position.  In a simulated single-engine configuration, with one engine reduced to 60% power, this would not be good.  So, I decided to put it all on the FAIP!

“Well, look there Rick,” I began instructing, “I inadvertently put the flaps to ‘Full.’  If I jerk them back to 60% I run the risk of raising them all the way up.  And take note of our airspeed – it’s 10 knots ‘hot,’ and now decreasing.”  At this time we were just crossing the approach end overrun, so I continued.

“So now, as we come across the overrun, our airspeed is ‘On Speed,’ runway is clear, Throttles to Idle, Flare – hold it, hold it, touchdown – on speed.”

Now Rick had a problem; and so did I.  Yes, I had not ‘conventional’ paradigm for ‘landing assured;’ but from when I selected Full Flaps, it was a picture-perfect approach though touchdown.  I just let it drop on the way in, and we taxied in, in silence.

When we got into the squadron Rick sought out the evaluation team chief.  After 10 minutes or so, he came into my office and we debriefed.

I ended up with a “Satisfactory” grade on my simulated single-engine approach, and an “Excellent” overall.  I never harbored any ill feelings toward Rick; it was my hands on the controls, and my head up my ass.  It’s just a shame he never recognized the pure beauty of the approach  – the quick, clever ‘recovery’ from a sure Unsat!

I held onto this experience for the remainder of my flying career.  Not to continually “beat myself up,” but to remind myself to keep flying the jet until the last part stops moving!  LOL…

Posted in The Book, USAF | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bruce

Posted on 03/02/2013 by Bobo

I just love these guys… (go figure!)

(A ‘pome’ is a ‘prisoner of Mother England.’)

 

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment